Also called: amber, goatweed, Johnswort. The herb with the many names was used as a medicinal plant in Europe in the Middle Ages. It is the content of the active substances hypericin and hyperforin that decide the strength of a St. John's Wort-preparation. One of its special ways of working is its influence on the brain signalling substance serotonin.
Imbalances in the serotonin metabolism can cause problems such as mood swings, nightmares, alcoholism, and other addictive tendencies.
Besides its effect on different degrees of mood swings, books about St. John's wort also list a number of other favourable qualities. Research has proved St. John's wort to be efficacious on a number of micro-organisms, but not all.
The herb is used against irritability - especially during menopause/andropause.
Furthermore, St. John's wort is used for cramps, for strengthening the liver and gall bladder, and for tiredness.
It is also used for other forms of discomfort.
Precautions
Never use herbal medicine if you are in doubt whether your symptoms should be clarified by a doctor. If you do not experience any improvement within a month - contact a phytotherapist or a naturopath.
Contraindications
Should not be used during pregnancy or when nursing. When used regularly, light sensitivity increases in some. Therefore, avoid intense sunlight, including tanning bed light, while taking St. John’s wort. It should not be taken with tyramine-containing foods, such as cream cheese, canned meat and yeast extract. Should not be taken by those suffering from hypertension.
If you take prescribed medicine, then consult with your physician before taking St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort is also known for interacting with other kinds of medicine containing, for example, ciclosporin, digoxin, theophylline, warfarin, contraceptive pills, certain kinds of antidepressants, and HIV medication. The review is incomplete.
As a rule of thumb, medicine that is predominantly excreted via the kidneys or is taken externally will not tend to interact negatively with St. John's wort. The herb can be taken with antidepressants if this is done after consultation with a physician.
Side effects
There are no known side effects when the recommended dosage is followed.
Dosage
- 1:2 extract: 3 ml. or one tbsp a day. To be taken with a little water. The herbs are strong and you may choose to rinse with a tasty drink.
- Dried herb: 6 - 12 g. daily.
- As a standardized preparation (0.3% hypericin and 3-5% hyperforin): 900 - 1800 mg. daily depending on severity of the mood swings.
St. John's Wort should normally be taken for several weeks before the effect can be felt. Some will be able to feel the effect after only a few weeks' use. In other cases St. John's Wort should be taken daily for 6 - 8 weeks.
Further fortification
Depends on the cause of the problems.
- In case of fatigue or for strengthening mental acuity: Siberian ginseng, Eleutheroccus senticosus.
- In case of problems falling asleep: supplement with Hops, Humulus lupulus.
- In case of mood swings: supplement with the amino acid preparation 5-HTP (100 mg. 3 times daily).
Further information
www.phytotherapies.org
